Remove Limescale with Bicarbonate of Soda, Washing-up Liquid and Toothpaste

In France, white marks quickly reappear on taps and shower screens in rooms exposed to water and humidity every day.

Published on 21 June 2025, the source article, whose media outlet is not identified in the material provided, suggests a homemade paste combining bicarbonate of soda, washing-up liquid and toothpaste for bathroom cleaning. The method targets visible deposits on surfaces, soap residue and marks left by water.

A homemade paste for marked areas

Limescale consists of mineral deposits found in water. When a droplet dries on taps, a shower screen or tiles, it may leave behind a whitish film. This becomes harder to remove when water repeatedly runs over the area without being dried afterwards.

The recipe outlined by the source uses three everyday products. Bicarbonate of soda provides a mildly abrasive texture. Washing-up liquid helps remove grease and soap remnants. Toothpaste is included for its paste-like consistency and gentle polishing action.

“The suggested mixture is not a substitute for regular maintenance: it mainly works on established marks and built-up residue.”

The source advises making the paste in a clean bowl using four tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda, three tablespoons of washing-up liquid and two tablespoons of toothpaste. It should have a creamy consistency so that it stays in place on the areas being scrubbed.

• Four tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda;
• Three tablespoons of washing-up liquid;
• Two tablespoons of toothpaste;
• A little water, only if the mixture seems too thick.

How to use it without damaging surfaces

A soft sponge or microfibre cloth can be used to spread the mixture over shower screens, the basin, taps or grout. It is advisable to work in circular motions without pressing too firmly. Corners, handles and the base of taps are often where deposits build up most heavily.

The source recommends leaving the paste on the surface for between five and ten minutes. An old toothbrush can be useful in tight spaces, particularly around a tap or in some grout lines. After gently scrubbing, rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly using a clean cloth.

“Rinsing and drying are integral parts of cleaning: paste left on a surface can itself leave marks.”

Before applying it to a large area, it is best to test it on an inconspicuous spot. Not all taps, screens and surface finishes respond in the same way to abrasive products. Marble, natural stone, certain glossy plastics and delicate finishes require particular care.

Precautions to bear in mind

Bicarbonate of soda and toothpaste can create a scrubbing effect. This can help tackle a stubborn mark, but it may also dull a sensitive surface if used too vigorously or repeatedly. A soft cloth is preferable to an abrasive sponge.

It is also important not to mix household cleaning products without knowing whether they are compatible. Bleach, in particular, must not be combined with other cleaners. The source recipe does not include it, so the surface should be cleaned and rinsed before any other product is applied.

Why marks return despite cleaning

A bathroom brings together several contributing factors: water splashes, steam, soap, cosmetic products and inadequate ventilation. White residue is not always caused by limescale alone. Shower gel, shampoo or soap remnants can create a dull layer on glass and taps.

Drying has a practical role to play. A shower screen that has been rinsed but left wet retains the minerals in the water once it dries. Quickly using a squeegee or microfibre cloth after showering helps limit this effect. This habit also reduces marks on mirrors and chrome fittings.

• Ventilate the room after a shower or bath;
• Remove water from shower screens before it dries;
• Dry taps and the edge of the basin;
• Clean areas where water collects on a regular basis;
• Rinse products applied to surfaces.

What to know in France

In France, water hardness varies between regions. So-called hard water contains more calcium and magnesium, which encourages deposits to form on bathroom fittings. As a result, people do not all experience white marks with the same frequency, even when their cleaning habits are identical.

To check the quality of water supplied in a municipality, public health information relating to drinking water is available through the relevant public channels. This information can help explain the presence of minerals in mains water, without automatically meaning that it is unsafe to drink.

Where build-up persists, regularly descaling tap aerators, shower heads and water-runoff areas may be useful. An aerator is the small component fitted at the end of a tap: it usually mixes water with air and may trap particles or limescale over time.

Regular maintenance rather than a permanent promise

The source headline refers to lasting limescale removal. In reality, no one-off cleaning method can permanently prevent fresh deposits if water continues to dry on the same surfaces. The method may help restore an affected area, while daily maintenance limits the return of marks.

White vinegar, mentioned in the source article as an option when marks are only faintly visible, remains an acidic product. It is not suitable for every material, especially certain natural stones. Checking the manufacturer's recommendations for the shower, basin or taps helps prevent damage to an expensive finish.

A straightforward routine of rinsing, ventilating and drying reduces the work required when carrying out a deeper clean. The bicarbonate of soda, washing-up liquid and toothpaste paste can then remain an occasional solution for areas that have lost their shine.